The Viola - Get-Tuned.com C3-E6 for advanced players (requires advanced position changing.) Musicians: Emanuel Vardi Lionel Tertis, William Primrose, Paul Hindemith Alessandro Rolla. The viola is the primary member of the viola family. It has four strings tuned in perfect fifths, and is played rested on the shoulder while using a bow. Music for the viola is written using the treble clef. The viola was first developed by instrument makers in Northern Italy who drew upon earlier Middle Eastern bowed instruments as inspiration. The viola is a versatile melodious instrument, which is also easy to transport due to its small size. As such, the viola is used in many genres of music including classical, country and bluegrass, Hungarian and gypsy, Celtic, pop and jazz. The viola is not very different to the violin, essentially having only one string that is different. Where the violin is tuned GDAE and has a higher range, the viola is tuned CGDA and has a slightly lower range.

The range of the violin is seen as being more compatible to bright, brilliant melodies, whereas its sister the viola, tends to play a counter melody - often a third or a fifth underneath the violins melody. However, there are some notable differences in playing technique. As the viola is bigger than the violin, the finger positions are spread further apart, requiring the viola player to have greater technical skill than the violin player when playing the same passage. The viola is often heavier than the violin, and the bow is harder to handle as it is also weightier than the violin bow. The C string is much thicker than any violin string, and so takes more effort to push down to play a note. While acknowledging these differences, the viola and violin are still alike enough to be relatively easily interchangeable for players of either instrument. Read the full article: History of the Viola The viola was developed alongside the other members of the violin family in Northern Italy in the mid-16th Century. While the violin was praised for its perfect resonant form, the viola had significant geometric problems. The viola would be too long to be held on the arm if its perfect dimensions were to be honoured.

Because of this problem the viola went through many different changes relative to its treble counterpart. The viola was largely overlooked in its early life due to the popularity of the violin. However, the viola became more popular and earned more respect in the 18th Century when technical changes caused the string tension to be increased, improving the timbre of the instrument. Violas can now be mass-produced; however professional luthiers still hand-craft viola models to various different specifications. For more information on the history of the viola, see our History of the Viola article. Read the full article: Types of Violas The viola has had an extensive history which so far has spanned over 450 years. Over this 450-year history the viola has also had many different changes in form due to its imperfect resonance. The viola has various different forms from specific time periods, and smaller sizes for children. Modern violas can produce sound electronically or acoustically, and sometimes the range of the viola is extended to include the higher E-string, which effectively combines the ranges of both the viola and the violin. For more information on different types of viola, see our Types of Violas article.

Read the full article: Parts of the Viola To learn more about the different parts of the viola, see our Parts of the Viola article. Read the full article: How to Tune the Viola The viola has four strings which are tuned in fifths. From lowest to highest, the scientific pitch of the strings is: C3, G3, D4, and A4. Standard Viola Tuning - A4(Hz): 440 String Online Viola Tuner - Tune a viola using the standard CGDA tuning. Online Instrument Tuner - Tune a viola by using the microphone on your computer. For more information on how to tune the viola, see our How to Tune the Viola article. This article contains information on how best to tune your viola, and tips to make tuning your viola easy! Read the full article: How to String a Viola Viola strings can sometimes snap when tuning. They can also start to unwind, which causes a 'fuzzy' or 'buzzing' sound when you play. If you have an old viola that has not been played for a while, the strings may lose their flexibility and quality of tone.

If you have strings that have been regularly played, then the strings can become dirty from the natural oils secreted by the fingers and from rosin, which can build up a sticky layer on the surface of the string between the bridge and the fingerboard. Looking after your viola strings and restringing when strings start to wear is important as strings have such a significant influence on the quality of the sound produced by your instrument. To learn how to restring a viola, see our How to String a Viola article. Read the full article: How to Play the Viola The viola is held under the chin while bowed or occasionally plucked. Orchestral and chamber violists sit while playing, taking care to keep their backs straight so to avoid shoulder and back strain. Soloist violists usually stand while playing. Violists read music written on the alto clef, and occasionally on the treble clef if they are playing mainly in the upper register of the viola. Advanced players have a playing range on the viola of four octaves. To learn more about how to play the viola, see our How to Play the Viola article.

Viola Strings | SHAR Music - sharmusic.com SHARMUSIC.COM Adding item to your shopping cart... Removing item from your shopping cart... Items Subtotal (0 Items) $0.00 Subtotal does not include coupons, discounts, shipping or taxes. Mark O'Connor Violin Method Book V The newest volume now available in this popular series. Suzuki Cello School Method Book and Cd, Volume 1 Now available! Suzuki Violin School Method Book and CD, Volume 1 A SHAR Best Seller! Klaus Becker Brazilwood Violin Bow German high quality brazilwood bow at an unbeatable price! PRESTO impulse Carbon Fiber Violin Bow "...I was amazed at the response, clarity and tone it produces..." - AndrÃ©s CÃ¡rdenes Deluxe Carry-All Backpack Case Covers by Cushy Add protection, comfort, and storage to your case. Enjoy Free Shipping on U.S. Orders Over $25 - Even for large items! Some restrictions apply. Click for details. Save 10% Off All Sheet Music Titles! Shop Sheet Music Save 10% Off List Price for Suzuki Method Materials Everyday!

Shop Suzuki Choose A Brand To Start Shopping Select Brand Capriccio (Dogal) Evah Pirazzi (Pirastro) Truly outstanding with rave reviews from professionals demanding the best in power and quality. Synthetic core string with warm tonal characteristics. Offers wide dynamic range, intense and brilliant colorations, and quick response. Shop this brand Dominant (Thomastik Infeld) Widely regarded as the "reference standard," Dominant strings, made with a highly flexible, multi-strand Perlon core, provide the tonal warmth and feel of a gut string while being impervious to changes in humidity. The sound is soft, clear and rich in overtones and intonation is stable. One of the world's most popular strings! Shop this brand Prelude (D'Addario) Solid steel core string that is durable and not affected by temperature and humidity changes. Prelude strings have a clear, bright sound without the shrill sound of traditional steel strings, and have a quick bow response. Shop this brand Obligato (Pirastro) Warm, brilliant, clear and focused sound. Powerful tonal volume, yet flawless character throughout all dynamic ranges. Synthetic core is extremely stable and resistant to changes in humidity and temperature.

Shop this brand Larsen Made in Denmark, Larsen strings are aimed at soloists in need of a string with projection. These multi-filament nylon core strings have a bright sound that nicely complements gut strings as well as tungsten wound synthetic strings. Shop this brand Helicore (D'Addario) Helicore's multi-strand, twisted steel core strings have a small string diameter, providing a quick bow response. Thanks to special manufacturing techniques, Helicore strings have a warm, clear sound with excellent pitch stability and longevity. Shop this brand Jargar Bright, full sound, quick response. Made in Denmark, these steel core strings are favored by many solosits. Jargar strings are known for their powerful, well-balanced tone. Shop this brand PI (Thomastik-Infeld) A revolution in tonal sound and color for the discerning musician, Peter Infeld (PI) strings produce a rich spectrum of sound colors, the perfect blend of power & elegance, and a wide dynamic range. The strings deliver instant bow response, as well as superior tuning ability.

Shop this brand Vision Solo (Thomastik Infeld) Vision Solo violin strings feature a technically advanced formulation and architecture designed to produce a blend of exceptional performance and playing characteristics. They offer a brilliant, round yet well-defined "soloistic" tone; great warmth and projection, with focus and clarity; and energetic, intense projection. Shop this brand Red Label (Super-Sensitive) Full core steel strings with nickel winding that possess clear tone quality and dependability. Favored by many teachers and students. Durable and economical choice that comes recommended by Suzuki Method instructors. Shop this brand Spirocore (Thomastik Infeld) Tone is warm and balanced. Steel rope core reduces stiffness and improves elasticity. A reliable, long-lasting all-around string. All chrome steel wound on steel rope core unless otherwise noted. Shop this brand Vision (Thomastik Infeld) Vision strings, using advanced synthetic core technology, are easy to play and settle-in in just 1-2 hours. They offer unparalleled tuning stability, respond quickly, and are more durable than most synthetic core strings. Vision Medium/Standard: Clear, brilliant, and focused tone; a perfect fit for today's modern sound.

Vision Thick/Stark/Forte: Clear, open and dark tone; our warmest synthetic core string. Shop this brand Evah Pirazzi Gold (Pirastro) Violinists will enjoy the brilliant golden tone one would normally associate with gut strings while the tuning stability and extremely short breaking-in period equal to the high standard set by Evah Pirazzi and Obligato strings. Shop this brand Zyex (D'Addario) Zyex is a new generation of synthetic material. Created for stability in drastic climatic conditions, it settles in faster than any other synthetic material. Zyex strings have a warm sound and good bow response. Shop this brand Passione (Pirastro) Passione strings are combination sets of wound sheep gut strings with matched steel-core strings for the higher-tension strings. This blend of traditional and modern offers fantastically rich tone for violin, viola, cello and double bass. These strings have a powerful sound and very easy response with higher pitch stability than other traditional gut core strings. Round, balanced tone, complex overtones and great clarity. Shop this brand Tonica (Pirastro) Nylon core string delivers big tone and rich overtones.

Terrific response even at pianissimo; will not crack under heavy bow pressure. New formula shows improvements in projection, brilliance, and dynamic range. Even tone and well-rounded sound help to achieve balance and smoother string crossings. Shop this brand Eudoxa (Pirastro) The world's most popular string for orchestral and chamber music. These traditional gut core strings have a well-balanced, warm tone and pitch stability. Good durability, beautiful tonal characteristics and easy response. Shop this brand Oliv (Pirastro) Often referred to as "The Soloist String," these sheep gut core strings produce full, warm, brilliant tones. Known for warmth, complexity and brilliance of sound, Pirastro Oliv Strings generate more sound volume than Eudoxa. The set allows a great range of colors and dynamics. Shop this brand Kaplan (D'Addario) Kaplan strings offer a beautiful, rich tonal palette and superb bowing response. They provide clarity and warmth across the registers and throughout the dynamic range. The Kaplan Vivo and Amo string sets combine the power that the professional needs with the expressiveness and the richly textured tonal qualities that they desire.

The Amo set offers a warm, lusher sound, while the Vivo set is brilliant with strong projection. Shop this brand Karneol (Warchal) The Slovakian string maker Warchal only started making strings in 2003. In the decade since then, the distinctly European sound of Warchal strings has impressed many American violinists. The Karneol strings are forgiving, offering maximum warmth and balance. These higher tension strings feature a sweet focused sound, lots of resonance and a wide range of tonal color. Shop this brand Brilliant (Warchal) The Slovakian string maker Warchal only started making strings in 2003. In the decade since then, the distinctly European sound of Warchal strings has impressed many American violinists. Warchal's line of Brilliant strings attacks the problem of projection with a brighter sounding synthetic core string. The tonal complexity and powerful projection of the Brilliant strings combines to create a rich, full sound. These strings have a quick break-in period and very responsive playability. Shop this brand Chorda (Pirastro) Pure gut strings designed for use with Baroque and Renaissance instruments. These very low tension strings are designed for 440 Hz tuning.

Soft, warm sound. Shop this brand Prim Made in Sweden, these steel core strings offer a bright, powerful sound. Popular with fiddlers, bluegrass & folk players, as well as students of all levels. Long-lasting and durable. Shop this brand Eudoxa-Aricore (Pirastro) These polyester core strings offer a dark timbre and warm sound. Available only in three gauges in steps of 1/4, the Pirastro Aricore strings tune quickly and are durable in different climate conditions. Shop this brand Overture Ultra Here is the perfect string for the working pro or active student. The strong Synthelon core produces a warm, complex and powerful sound, similar to gut strings. However, a fast break-in period and stability in varying climatic conditions gives these strings a decided advantage over gut strings. What's more, you won't break the bank replacing them, since SHAR sells them at a very reasonable price. Shop this brand Charm Charm Strings offer the rich and nuanced sound of a gut string, but with the playing comfort and tuning stability of a synthetic string! The light and colorful, nuanced response is available for all instruments and in both full sizes and fractional sizes under the "Charm KIDS" label.

Shop this brand Opal Green Opal Green Viola Strings are handmade strings with a synthetic core. The option for a kevlar core in the A and D strings avoids any noticeable change of tone between the first and the second string, while a steel and nylon A and D offers a more traditional feel. The Opal Green strings offer a clear, warm, powerful and very uniform sound, without excessive tension. Its sound has a bright spectrum of overtones, similar to gut strings. Shop this brand Capriccio (Dogal) Capriccio strings are for the fine instrument of the technically demanding virtuoso. These new strings are made exclusively by hand at the Dogal factory in Venice. Masterfully wound strings featuring a new concept "Synthetic Gut" core offers the professional player a string which is absolutely impervious to damp or other difficult climatic conditions. These strings allow the player to easily attain a warm, intense and powerful 'Italian' sound. For violin and viola. REVIEWED BY: Teacher, NICHOLAS LAHAM reviewed on: 01/02/2017 Impressive sounds from Peter Infeld Hello!

I just wanted to share my review of the Peter Infeld Viola Strings, since I couldn't find very many and I know other violists want to know what these strings sound like without breaking the bank to try them. Just as a disclaimer, my opinions are based on what the set sounds like on MY viola, not anyone else's. Of course there are always other factors involved like climate, but here are my thoughts so far: The PI set, although overpriced in some respects, is definitely a set worth experimenting with! Overall, PI strings are powerful and project well in addition to having sweeter qualities, specifically on the D&A strings. For those who have used Pirastro strings their whole life, like me, the PI strings remind me of a darker version of Evah Golds. My favorite string in the PI set is the D string; I've been very intrigued by the materials it is wound with and, because of the chrome/silver combo, the D string provides a smooth transition of tone and color from the lower strings to the A string. It is sweet, colorful, yet strong!

My second favorite string is the A string; it is very hard for me to discern this string from an Evah Gold A, but the PI A string is a tad bit darker and still retains the projection and strength to carry the sound in the space. (My favorite A strings in order are: Peter Infeld A, Evah Gold A, Larsen A. All are amazing!) The PI G string matches very well with the rest of the set; the price is a little high for a single string, but it sounds great nonetheless. I think that I can get the same sounding G string with other Pirastro brands (Evah P, Evah Gold, Obligato) for slightly cheaper. My least favorite string is the C string--like the G string, it matches well with the rest of the set and sounds good! However, I can save money by using a different C string from either Evah P, Evah Gold, or Obligato. The PI C string isn't wound with Tungsten, while the other Pirastro brands mentioned are. The PI C string is very similar to the Spiro Tungsten C, in my opinion and projects as clear as a laser, but doesn't have any roundness.

too long;didn't read: Try Peter Infeld Viola strings, even though they'll cost an arm and a leg. $95.99 reviewed on: 12/08/2016 Dominants are NOT prone to breaking I am writing this review in response to other reviews. I've used Thomastik Dominants, mostly bought via Shar, for 36 years. I'm a professional violist and educator and I've never had a problem with Dominants or with Shar. Those people who are having repeated issues likely have an issue with their instrument having a sharp edge somewhere where they shouldn't. Some types of fine tuners have you loop the string over a sharp edge - this can cause breakage. Sometimes your string has dug into the bridge (the pressure of the strings over time can cause this) and it can cause a sharp edge there that causes breakage. I've seen many a poorly made nut (at the top of the fingerboard) that is sharp and causes breakage. This will happen more often with cheap instruments made with poor materials and workmanship. I don't use Dominants exclusively, but they are the string I've used most often in my career because they are reliable and long lasting.

I strongly feel you can trust them. If you are having strings break repeatedly, see a reputable luthier (someone who specializes in string instruments only; not a store that sells every instrument under the sun) and my guess is they will be able to show you exactly why your string keeps breaking. $95.99 reviewed on: 11/29/2016 Viola A String is defective In the past 3 months I have replaced four A strings on my viola. Of these, only one was eligible for replacement because I had purchased it within 30 days. These strings are breaking at the ball end (the fine tuner is not the problem, I have had it inspected), and the most recent break occurred during a concert. I love the sound of Dominants on my viola, but it's like playing a time bomb waiting for the A to break. I've switched to Jarger A (medium) which settled in to pitch quickly and is very responsive. From the reviews, it appears that I am not the only one who has had this problem and that the A strings are defective. Unfortunately, the warranty can't be applied to 3 of the strings because I've had them longer than 30 days.

$95.99 REVIEWED BY: Parent, ISABELLE JONES reviewed on: 10/25/2016 Broken string I am disappointed in quality of your strings Thomastik Infeld Dominant Viola String Set - Full Size - Medium Gauge. I ordered two sets at 95.99 plus tax for each. I had set put on my sons viola about 3 weeks later and about 2 weeks later a string broke. Fortunately, it didn't break during his audition. He had to replace the string with the spare string. According to your return policy we are not eligible for a return. I hope that the second strings last longer. How can we insure we are not receiving old strings? $127.94 reviewed on: 06/19/2015 Nice Strings I put these strings on my 14 1/2 " viola, the tension is a little less than it should be because of my viola's size. The sound,feel and playability are very nice. Quick response between soft and loud, pleasant sound and a nice feel.

The D and G strings took a couple of days to loosen up and the G still doesn't quite ring out, or have as big of a sound as the other strings even now. I love the C!!! and the A and D are beautiful also. Nice strings for this price range! Louder than the Pro-Arte's and not so bright as the Helicore. $39.97 Beginning band: String Family - Violin - Viola - Cello - Bass Home Articles and Information Sound Clips Instrument Recommendations Contact Us The String Family The string family consists of four instruments, the Violin , the Viola , the Cello , and the Bass . Sound is made by each instrument in the family by plucking with the fingers or rubbing the horse hair bow across a string. Each instrument also comes in a variety of sizes, to fit the size of the student. All younger students should be measured by a music teacher or in a music store to determine the size that suits them. Despite these similarities, there are a few fundamental differences between each member of the family. The Violin is the smallest, and is therefore the highest in pitch. It is also the most popular.

It is played with the instrument under the chin while sitting or standing, and its small size makes it easily transporable. The Viola is very similar to the violin, only slightly larger, and slightly lower in pitch. It may be played while sitting or standing, and it's tone is regarded as mellow and sweet. Like the violin, it is easily transportable. The Cello is much larger and lower than the viola, and must be played while sitting with the instrument between the knees. Fortunately, cellos are made for students of all sizes. The String Bass is the largest and lowest string instrument in the orchestra. It is played while standing or sitting on a stool. It is also made different sizes so that any size student can do well on the bass. Viola Strings, Viola String, Viola String Set | JustStrings.com Viola Strings Complete sets and a selection of individual viola strings are listed in the following sections: The viola is tuned a fifth lower than the violin.� Viola strings are tuned C, G, D, & A.�The lower tuning is why the viola has a larger body than that of the violin.

Our viola string selection includes one of three tensions: light, medium and heavy, with medium being the standard. Many high quality bowed instrument strings come from Germany and Austria, and are labeled in German. The German equivalents to the English tension terms are: weich/light, mittel/medium and stark/heavy. Most players find that medium tension strings work well for their needs.�If you need strings that are easier to finger, and are willing to accept less volume, a light tension viola string set might be a good choice for you.�If instead, you are not concerned with ease of playability, and are mainly interested in getting the maximum possible projection and volume from your instrument, you may wish to try heavy tension strings. Viola strings are also available in several lengths. Standard violas are "full" or 4/4 size, which is about 16 inches.�Student model viola strings are available for smaller violas in ½ and ¾ sizes. Violas are available in many more sizes than the violin.

There are 11, 12, 13, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5 and 17 inch violas (measured as the length of the back of the body, not including the neck).�As such, many different sizes of viola strings are available to fit both student and extra long models. It is possible to buy a single viola string; we carry single strings from most manufacturers. Early viola strings were all made of gut.�Sometime in the 18th century, viola string makers started winding the C strings with metal wire to improve the tone. This was followed by a wound G string in the 19th century. A modern viola string set has all four strings wound, which improves their tone and response as well as to cut down on string breakage.�Occasionally, players will opt for an unwound plain steel A, but gut is almost never used in modern applications.

Quick Links Instruments in Depth - The Viola INSTRUMENTS IN DEPTH Flash is required for video playback The History of the Viola THE VIOLA by Kerrick Sasaki When thinking of string instruments, the viola often is forgotten amongst its smaller and larger cousins, yet its rich, dark timbre and interesting history make taking a closer look worthwhile. Did you know, for example, that Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven all played the viola? Or that famed instrument maker Stradivari also made violas that are worth more than his violins? In the popular realm, bands including Velvet Underground, The Who, Van Morrison, The Goo Goo Dolls, and Vampire Weekend have featured the viola prominently on various songs and albums. How to Read Alto Clef Alto clef may seem unusual, but it is just as easy to learn as the treble or bass clef. The middle line, pictured below, indicates middle C. Once you know this, you can simply follow the lines up and down to find the other notes. INTRODUCTION TO THE VIOLA The viola is the middle voice of the string family, sitting comfortably between the violin and cello.

More specifically the viola's range is a perfect fifth below the violin's, having the same A, D, and G strings as the violin with the addition of a C string (an octave below middle C). It has the same four strings as the cello (C, G, D, A), but is one octave higher. As the middle voice in a string section, the viola similar to the alto voice in a choir. In fact, the viola uses its very own clef, called the alto clef. Violas are held almost exactly the same way as violins: to one's left side, over the shoulder, and under the chin. In fact, the two instruments are so similar that many people have trouble telling them apart! This makes sense considering that they share the same playing position as well as three strings, but the viola's slightly larger size creates a unique sound. A full-sized violin has a body length of 14 inches whereas there is no official full size for a viola. Violas found in orchestras generally range in size from 15 to 18 inches, with the most common size being 16.5 inches.

While a couple of inches may not seem like a big deal, that extra size is the crucial element in the creation of the viola's unique sound, which is often described as being mellow and dark. A teacher of mine once described the viola's sound as being chocolaty! chocolaty sound that draws people to play the viola. Would you believe that the beautiful tone of the viola has often prevented it from achieving the same fame as the violin and cello? This makes sense if you think again about the vocal equivalents of each string instrument. The violin is the soprano voice of the strings and the cello is the tenor voice of the strings. It is very easy to hear sopranos and tenors in a choir and even basses for that matter, but what are the altos up to? Much like altos in a choir, the viola often fills in harmonies in an orchestra. Its dark and chocolaty sound blends the string sections together and gives body to the orchestra as a whole. You may not notice them at first, but should you lose your alto voice/violas, your ensemble would sound hollow and deflated!

Violas really are the (pardon the pun) the unsung heroes of the orchestra! The viola is hundreds of years old. In fact, some reports say that it is the oldest of the string family. The viola has been utilized as a harmonic (as opposed to melodic) instrument by composers for hundreds of years. This is the main reason that people are less familiar with it than the violin or cello. The viola has less solo music written for it than the violin and cello, and while it does have more solo music written for it than the string bass, the viola is still less recognized than the bass. Besides being visually hard to miss on stage, basses are regularly seen performing in various popular music groups such as jazz ensembles and pop/rock groups. This lack of star power has also contributed to something curious amongst violas and viola bows. Because of their role as harmonic instruments, violas were not made in as large numbers as the violin and cello. Great old violas and bows are extremely rare and thus a viola made by Stradivarius or Guarnerius is worth many times more than a violin of the same condition.

Fortunately, there are several viola makers today that specialize in producing great violas, making for many happy violists. Tuning of the viola (c, g, d, a) and its range Rhiannon's Writings: The Viola Writings Viola Players Have the Last Laugh Viola Jokes don't discourage us from filling in the harmonies and living a quiet life in the orchestra pit by Rhiannon Nachbaur of Award -Winning Fiddleheads Violin Studio “Why is a viola better than a violin?” “The viola burns longer.” Ba-Du-Bum! As a viola player myself I've heard hundreds of viola jokes and have earned the right to retell them ad nauseam. This violist ain't touchy about viola jokes and I'll even squirt milk out my nose when told a particularly nasty one I haven’t heard yet. What I find more frustrating than viola jokes is how many people don't even know what the viola is! It's bad enough to be ridiculed, but far worse when no one knows you exist! When prodded with the violin vs.

violin joke opener, my inner music geek is compelled to ramble the viola gospel. "The Viola is the ‘Alto’ voice of the violin family, hence is tuned a perfect fifth below violin." Blank stares await the real punch line. I need to get out more. In truth the viola is much like a violin , so much so that many symphony goers simply think they're just more violins. Visually the technique is identical to violin playing: held at the left shoulder and bowed up and down, but with more broad movements as the viola is slightly larger than a violin. A larger instrument allows for a longer string length and increased body /sound chamber to allow the low notes to reverberate properly. For violists, size really does matter because slapping viola strings on a violin just doesn't sound as good. So, what's the difference between the violin and viola? Simply put, the viola is like a slightly larger violin who's high E-string was replaced by a low C-string on the low end. This is pretty much all that separates violin from the viola. So what, it's a bigger, lower-pitched fiddle? Why all the nasty ridicule?

“Why are viola jokes so short?” “So Violinists can remember them.” The viola is like the quiet middle child: ignored by its parents and overshadowed by its other, more active and successful siblings. A fate worse than “playing second fiddle,” viola's role in a symphony or string quartet is to provide middle harmonies (aka, the leftover, gristly scraps of chords no one else wants to play) and rarely plays the melody, or the "tune." “How do you get a violin to sound like a viola?” “Sit in the back and don't play.” Even visually the viola is neglected. We can hardly see them on stage tucked between second violins and cellos and facing their instruments away from the audience. They get less air-time than first violins and cellos and spend the most time taking breaks from play than any other section of the strings. This leads to the solo issue.

There is not much solo repertoire written for viola, which has long been viewed as the “strong, silent type.” The lack of repertoire is most likely due to its mellow, deep tone, which, being less bright and projecting less than the violin, was believed by composers of the day to be less suited to virtuoso display. Hence the viola is rarely showcased and has to resort largely to adaptations of violin and cello repertoire to get any attention. “How do you get a violin to sound like a viola?” “Play in the low register with a lot of wrong notes.” A gap between viola and popular acceptance among musicians is the elusive alto clef. See, violin, flute, piano, guitar, trumpet, soprano, recorder, clarinet and even harmonica are written in the treble clef. That's the pretty music symbol even non musicians have come to associate with music. Tragically, viola is pretty much the only instrument to use the alto clef and only violists can read the darn thing, so it keeps many musicians from picking one up and learning to play viola. Altophobia. It’s like the notes are written in a code no one else wants to learn to decipher.

More tragically (and poetically for these martyrs), violists are like a dying out race whose language is dying with them. [Cue melancholy violin solo rewritten for viola in the alto clef with a few mistakes here and there] “What is the difference between a violist and a savings bond?” “Eventually the bond will mature and earn money.” No matter how bleak the plight of the violist may be, the viola is still an absolute necessity in orchestral and string ensemble playing. You can’t play a symphony without the viola section. Oh sure, you can draft some third violinists to play the part, but they can’t play the low notes and get that throaty viola tone. This is where opportunity knocks and gives the meek violist an amazing advantage over gobs of violinists. “What do you call a Viola player with half a brain?” “Gifted.” Simply put, it’s a matter of supply and demand. There are gobs of violin players in the world and a startling shortage of violists. For example, in ten years of teaching over a hundred violin students I’ve only worked with three viola students.

You don’t have to be a PhD to figure out the best way to get accepted into a music school or conservatory is to know how to play viola and read the alto clef. “What's another name for viola auditions?” "Scratch lottery.” Picture this: There are 25 violin spaces and 2 viola spaces available in a first year music program. 300 violinists and 2 violists have applied. Even a viola player can do the math and see it is pretty much guaranteed the two violists will make it in without much fuss from admissions staff. “Violinists are a dime a dozen” turns into, “Invite two more viola playing friends and save up to 50% off your tuition! Call now!” The same speaks for scholarships available to violists only. They’re rare, but they do exist. Shown Rhiannon's Zhu VA-909 Viola (Left) and Zhu VN-909 Violin (Right). The Viola is a 15" Tertis model and the Violin is a 4/4 size (14") Guarneri model. Fiddleheads sells these fine instruments from the VSA award-winning maker.

Click Here “Classified Ads: Established string quartet seeking two violinists and a cellist.” Carry this concept forward to getting a position in a group. I had the privilege of playing at a music festival at the Provincial level simply because a string quartet was short a viola player. I’m sure I never would have made it into the group as a violinist as the players were beyond my level, [yes, I am a humble beneath this boastful exterior] but I was the only gal around who could read that pesky alto clef! [So much for humble...] Symphony auditions don’t even seem as rigid for violists. “You play viola? You can sit here,” was pretty much the response I received when inquiring with the Kamloops Symphony. I joined the immense viola section of two other violists for one concert and managed my way into the first violin section where I stayed content for the rest of the season. It is very apparent that there is far less competition involved and violists do have an edge. “Did you hear about the violist who played in tune?” “Neither did I.” I don’t intend to imply that as a violist you can get away with being a mediocre player.

Far from it; you must have a command of the instrument which is both strong and sensitive at the same time. You must also have a feel for the instrument, which as legendary violist and conductor of Canada’s National Arts Council Orchestra, Pinchas Zukerman, explained to me in an interview [yes, I know people in high places]. “The bow application is different on the viola,” he said. “A slightly slower bow application is used on the viola because it's heavier and easier to control.” Zukerman also said, “Hearing the sonority of the instrument made me want to play the viola.” And this is where many players are attracted to the viola. That wonderful, low C-string that reverberates in your bones. “Why do Violinists switch to Viola?” “So they can park in handicapped spaces.” I loved the viola before I even knew what it was. It was in my second year of violin back in middle school when I bought the Dover edition score to my favourite piece of music, the Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 by J. S. Bach. Imagine my disappointment when I saw the solo parts written in a strange, alien clef.

Another victim foiled by the alto clef! My public school orchestra teacher kindly loaned me a rather beaten-up student viola and I learned the awkward alto clef over the weekend so I could scratch out even the slightest bit of the music. I was hooked on viola from then on. I've since worked to convince many of my violin students to switch to viola, citing the many wonderful opportunities mentioned above. It's got to be done! Viola players are just hard to come by otherwise. In my years teaching only one viola student learned viola before violin, the rest were violin transplants. The unforeseen anomaly of the first-time string player starting on viola is perhaps the only case of a violist who took up violin later. Jimi Hendrix performs for Dutch television show Hoepla in 1967. He must have forgotten his viola in the boot of the car. Photo by A. Vente. Source: Beeld en Geluidwiki - Gallery: Hoepla “What do you call someone who hangs around musicians a lot?” “A Viola player.” Who knows their reasons behind playing viola, but many amazing and well-respected musicians have played the viola over the centuries including J.S.

Bach, Beethoven, Haydn, Mendelssohn, Schubert and violin virtuoso Paganini. Czech composer Dvorák considered becoming a professional violist but instead pursued composition where he wrote pieces which gave the viola a far more active role. I played his "American"Quartet in the Provincial Festival and thoroughly enjoyed the many viola solos. The piece even starts with the viola playing the main theme! Melody for viola! Incredible! Some composers even preferred viola over violin, such as Mozart who was said to have performed the Principal Viola solo at the premiere of his then ground-breaking “Sinfonia Concertante.” And some greats had their musical start on the viola. Jimi Hendrix, perhaps the 20th century’s finest and most innovative rock-guitarist started his musical career at an early age on the viola! No kidding. Woodstock would have been a lot classier with a baroque-style viola solo 14 minutes through "Purple Haze." “Why did the violist marry the guitarist?” "Upward mobility.” Okay, so smashing a flaming Fender is way cooler than playing the viola.

Heck, you may loose a teeny bit of sex appeal and overall charisma when you take up viola. But it's not really of much use when overshadowed by all the pasty-faced, double-chinned sexpots in the violin sections. “Why is the violin smaller than the viola?” “It's an optical illusion. They’re actually the same size and appear smaller because the violinist’s heads are so much larger.” In the end, it’s not really the life of glamour and fame enjoyed by violinists. As the showy violinists clamber for a chance in the limelight, the humbled violists abandon any delusions of glory and accepts their fate with a healthy mix of zen detachment and humiliation. Ahh, but inside every viola player is a daring rebel. An individual who has broken away from the establishment. You see them slogging away in the bowels of the orchestra, playing our unique middle harmonies with knowing grins on our smug, pallid faces. “We're absolutely essential and we know it.” Let the violists have the last laugh.

Types of Violas - Get-Tuned.com APP Types of Violas The viola has been the subject of constant change over the entire extent of its lifespan, due to its imperfect form relative to that of the violin. A wide variety of different types of viola have been produced - which does lead to problems when categorising and explaining the different types of viola. However, viola types can be roughly categorized into three groups: violas that vary in size, violas that vary because of time period and the less common violas that vary due to musical purpose or genre. These variations of the viola can have some quite significant changes, especially to the length and width of the instrument. It is important to note that while these are the three main categories for types of viola, in general violas are very individualistic instruments. Variations in makers, country of origin, wood-types and make (for example, whether the viola has a one-piece or a two-piece back) also have a significant effect on the quality of the viola and subsequently the tone produced by the instrument. Different Types of Viola by Size The viola has had a comparatively large development period, with few rigid guidelines in place regarding the size and specifications of the instrument.

This is because the lower range of the viola requires a larger sound box to create a full tone. The size of the sound box needed to create this full-bodied tone would make the instrument too big to hold under the chin. Consequently, the viola has undergone a lot of changes: including various changes to the size and shape of the soundbox, as well as to the length of the fingerboard as craftsmen have tried to develop the sound, timbre and range of the viola. These evolutions have mainly aimed to make the viola as similar to the violin in sound and style as possible, which may account for why the viola is still played under the chin. Full-size violas can vary in length from around 14-15 inches to over 17 inches. Alto and Tenor Violas Violas were initially designed in two sizes: alto and tenor. The tenor viola was designed to play a lower part than the alto viola, and so had a bigger body in order to achieve a more pleasing tone in the lower register of the instrument. The alto was meant to cover the higher-middle range, and so did not quite need to be the same size as the tenor viola.

Together, these violas were used to cover the mid-range notes in four and five-piece string ensembles, with as many as three violas initially being used in a five-part arrangement. However, as the violin grew in popularity and instrument makers made more violins, they neglected the viola, which also began to be used less often in string arrangements. Today, there are still significant differences in the sizes of violas produced. Violas for Children Violas tend not to have children's sizes, however child-size violins can be strung with viola strings so that children may learn to play the viola. Child-sized violins are called 'fractional' violins as their size is recorded as fractions of a whole or 'four-quarter' violin. Fractional violins can come as small as 1/64, although this is very rarely used. The smallest commonly played violin is the 1/16th, which is used by children aged 3-5, depending on the length of the child's arm.

Violin sizes above 1/16th include the 1/10th, 1/8th, 1/4 or 'quarter-size', the 1/2 or 'half-size' and the 3/4 or 'three-quarter' size. Different Types of Viola by Time Period Pre-Baroque Stringed Instruments Before the viola was invented, a number of other stringed instruments similar to the viola were used. The term viola itself was used well before the invention of the Baroque viola as a name for an instrument held under the chin and bowed. Instruments that pre-date the Baroque viola include the lira of the Byzantine Empire that was held upright, and the lira de braccio (viol for the arm) that was held against the chin like a viola. The three-stringed violetta, which also pre-dates the viola, was also held under the chin. The viol family again was similar in construction to the violin family, and also became popular at around the same time. Sometimes these instruments are referred to as types of early violin family instruments - and especially as 'violas' as some were known by this specific name.

However, all of these instruments are separate instruments in their own right, and should only be seen as grandparents of the viola in order to differentiate them from the type of viola that we are familiar with today. Baroque Viola The forefather of the classical/modern viola, this viola was the first instrument made in the 16th century. The Baroque viola has a shallower angle of the neck, which is also usually thicker to support the tension of the strings, although the string tension is lower than on a classical viola. There were two main types of viola at this stage - the alto and the tenor (see 'Different Violas By Size' section for an explanation). As more advanced crafting techniques allowed for the range of the viola to be extended in the 18th century, many of these original Baroque instruments were altered in order to fulfil these new standards. Classical Viola (Also referred to as the Modern viola or the Acoustic viola) The classical viola was developed in the late 18th and early 19th century as new techniques became available to increase the string tension and therefore the range and sound projection of the viola.

Even at this stage however, there were still significant variations in the size of the viola (unlike the violin, which maintained a standard size from the Baroque model). The classical viola has a more slender neck, higher string tension, and is the type of viola that we are most familiar with today. More recently, classical violas have been made from many different woods, and more comfortable fittings have been developed to aid the violist - like the chin rest, which can stop the player from dropping the viola when changing from one position to the next and helps the player to hold the viola against the neck comfortably. Better strings and rosins have also been invented in the 20th century which has improved the sound quality produced by the classical viola. Electric Violin The electric viola is a viola that produces sound electronically. There are many different styles of electric viola, and as no sound box or f-holes are needed in order to produce sound, so many forego the traditional aesthetics of the classical acoustic instruments. Electric violas were sold as early as the 1930's, with musicians being known to use pick-ups on violas before this date also.

The sound from electric violas can be distorted through the process of amplification, which is helpful in some genre playing. Electric violas are rarer than electric violins, mainly because of the viola is less popular and therefore less units will ultimately be sold. Semi-Electric (Also known as Electric-Acoustic or Violin with Pick-Up) A semi-electric viola is essentially a viola that produces sound acoustically which is also fitted with a pick-up so that the sound can be electronically amplified. This kind of sound retains more of the original acoustic feel than fully electric violas, which will not sound particularly loudly when not plugged in to an amp (much like electric and bass guitars). Pick-Ups are relatively easy to add to classical violas; however some set-ups require the modification of the viola (for example, a hole being made in the body of the violin so a 'plug-in' can be inserted).

Different Types of Viola by Genre 5-String Viola/Violin The 5 string can be either electric or acoustic, and as its name suggests it includes a 5th string - the E string (above the A string.) The 5-string viola combines the ranges of the violin and viola in the one instrument. The five-string viola can take some time to adapt to for four-string viola players as the angle that the bow touches a specific string changes. This type of viola adapts well to country fiddle music as it allows for the player to have an extended range, and the decreased angle between strings makes it easier to perform double and triple-stops (playing two to three strings at a time). Difference Between Viola and Violin | Difference Between Difference Between Viola and Violin • Categorized under Objects | Difference Between Viola and Violin Viola vs Violin Belonging to the string family, the violas and violins may sound similar to many. But the truth is that they are different and it is easy to distinguish between the two. One can differentiate between viola and violin in just one look. Coming to the size, the violin comes with a smaller frame than the viola.

While the violins come with a standard length of 35.5 cm, the violas may come with lengths ranging from 38 to 48+ cm. There is also difference in the bow used. Though viola comes in a bigger size, the bows used in violas are shorter than used in the violins. It comes about a cm less than the violin bows. Viola bows also come thicker than the violins, which give it a somewhat “masculine” tone. Though viola bows come shorter, it is heavier than violin bows. While the viola bows comes in the range of 70 to 74 grams, the violin bows comes in the range of 58 to 61 grams. Well, more weight is needed to pull sounds from the viola strings than the violin strings. The violins are more pitched than the violas. While the violins are the highest pitched in the string instrument, violas are the second highest pitched instrument. While violins have a higher e-string, the violas have a low c-string. While the violin is tuned to G D A E, the viola is tuned to C G D A.

Another difference that can be seen between them is about their role in orchestra . The orchestras generally have larger sections of violin than viola sections. While violins add to the melodic part, the violas add up to the harmony part. Let us see how one can differentiate the two string instruments by watching an orchestra. The players of viola and violin have different seating arrangements in an orchestra. The first violinists sit to the left of the conductor and beyond this the second violinists. And on the right sit the cellos. The violas sit in between the cellos and the second violin, just towards the centre of the stage. Summary 1.The violin comes with a smaller frame than the viola. 2.Bows used in violas are shorter than used in the violins. Viola bows also come thicker than the violins 3.The violins are more pitched than the violas. 4.While violins have a higher e-string, the violas have a low c-string. Related Posts

Question: How many strings are there on a viola
Answer: Four